RideLondon 100 Tips
Discussion
I’m doing the RideLondon 100 this year; it’s the first time I’ve ever done anything like this. Training is going well so far, did 60 miles on Sunday but was really hard work towards the end, probably because I didn’t drink enough water as it was really hot
There are now 8 weeks to go so I was after any tips from people who did it last year (or any similar ride) on what to expect. I think I’m going to find it quite hard, especially as I’m heavy (so hills are a problem) so any hints and tips I can get to give me an edge would be appreciated!
There are now 8 weeks to go so I was after any tips from people who did it last year (or any similar ride) on what to expect. I think I’m going to find it quite hard, especially as I’m heavy (so hills are a problem) so any hints and tips I can get to give me an edge would be appreciated!
If hills are a problem, go and ride more hills. Sadly it's that simple.
I rode it last year and tbh its a very comfortable (and fast) route. I'm no lightweight either at 88Kg and there aren't many hills to worry about. In fact only 1 of any note (Leith) and it's not that long.
The reason you bonked a bit towards the end of your 60 miler was probably fuel related, so make sure you drink and eat enough before you start to feel hungry. There are 3 fuel stops on the London 100 route and that should be plenty.
I rode it last year and tbh its a very comfortable (and fast) route. I'm no lightweight either at 88Kg and there aren't many hills to worry about. In fact only 1 of any note (Leith) and it's not that long.
The reason you bonked a bit towards the end of your 60 miler was probably fuel related, so make sure you drink and eat enough before you start to feel hungry. There are 3 fuel stops on the London 100 route and that should be plenty.
Edited by ChrisMCoupe on Wednesday 11th June 13:35
Hold your line on the corners and be very wary of overtaking people on corners. I saw lots of people travelling quite slowly take the racing line and cause several near-misses, with that many people on the road with so many varying abilities, its actually pretty dangerous. No one will do a "lifesaver" check before pulling out to the right either, dont assume that the peopel up ahead will hold their line, especially on the hills, if you are struggling on the climbs, its generally accepted that you should keep left too, people seem to think that because the roads are closed to cars, there is no one coming up behind them...
That aside, its good fun and you will enjoy it, get on the back of some groups if you can and enjoy the tow, we were doing 45 kmh and barely pedalling on the A4 at the start thanks to being part of a large group.
I would recommend stopping for a while at the top of Box Hill just to savour the moment, its a good social ride and from there on in its easy. The last ten miles were particularly good fun.
Dress for the weather predicted at 1000 too, dont wear too much because its an early start, we had good weather last year and i got away with shorts, s/s jersey and arm warmers. A sachet of chamois cream in your jersey pocket might help if you arent used to long distances, the food stations were excellent, dont drop litter and smile at the cameras!
That aside, its good fun and you will enjoy it, get on the back of some groups if you can and enjoy the tow, we were doing 45 kmh and barely pedalling on the A4 at the start thanks to being part of a large group.
I would recommend stopping for a while at the top of Box Hill just to savour the moment, its a good social ride and from there on in its easy. The last ten miles were particularly good fun.
Dress for the weather predicted at 1000 too, dont wear too much because its an early start, we had good weather last year and i got away with shorts, s/s jersey and arm warmers. A sachet of chamois cream in your jersey pocket might help if you arent used to long distances, the food stations were excellent, dont drop litter and smile at the cameras!
Go out a couple of times per week between now and then and ride a short ride as hard as you possibly can. A few 10 mile time trial efforts or hard hill climbing sessions will do you a lot more good than pottering about for 50+ miles at a time.
As others have said, some group riding practice is a good idea - see if your local cycling club has an taster sessions going.
Finally, try not to worry and enjoy it. It's a very fast, flat ride in the main and the atmosphere and number of riders will sweep you along on the day.
As others have said, some group riding practice is a good idea - see if your local cycling club has an taster sessions going.
Finally, try not to worry and enjoy it. It's a very fast, flat ride in the main and the atmosphere and number of riders will sweep you along on the day.
I'm doing RideLondon this year, peaked at 84miles in training so far, no plans to go further but have a 75miler planned.
Oddly what went on the 84mile ride was my shoulders, about 5hrs in I was struggling to get in the drops... "luckily" the last few miles where uphill but even sitting upright was painful on the shoulders.
A friend did it last year and he was alittle alarmed by some of the riding standards, we've done several sportives together so i know what he was expecting and surprised he thought the standard was low given the distance I'd have thought it would put-off numbties?
Most importantly- Do you have a PH Jersey? :-) I'll be the fattish guy trying to finish in around 6hrs.
Oddly what went on the 84mile ride was my shoulders, about 5hrs in I was struggling to get in the drops... "luckily" the last few miles where uphill but even sitting upright was painful on the shoulders.
A friend did it last year and he was alittle alarmed by some of the riding standards, we've done several sportives together so i know what he was expecting and surprised he thought the standard was low given the distance I'd have thought it would put-off numbties?
Most importantly- Do you have a PH Jersey? :-) I'll be the fattish guy trying to finish in around 6hrs.
scubadude said:
A friend did it last year and he was alittle alarmed by some of the riding standards, we've done several sportives together so i know what he was expecting and surprised he thought the standard was low given the distance I'd have thought it would put-off numbties?
The riding standards thing is a bit of a funny one. I was in one flying group or another for most of it so my viewpoint might be slightly different but the only unusual problems I noticed were people not checking for faster traffic before pulling out and said faster traffic being reluctant to use the full road-space available.Aside from that it was pretty typical sportive fare IMHO.
In addition to the above, don't drop f
king gel wrappers all over the road. There were hundreds strewn about the place last year, mostly from wannabe racers / PKWs.
Go at a steady pace that suits you, drink & eat regularly and you'll be fine. Do resist the temptation to smash through the first few miles of empty London streets and blow up by Richmond Park!
Oh, and give London Dynamo riders a wide berth...
king gel wrappers all over the road. There were hundreds strewn about the place last year, mostly from wannabe racers / PKWs.Go at a steady pace that suits you, drink & eat regularly and you'll be fine. Do resist the temptation to smash through the first few miles of empty London streets and blow up by Richmond Park!
Oh, and give London Dynamo riders a wide berth...
Edited by option click on Wednesday 11th June 14:34
Thanks everyone.
I’ve been doing longish rides once a week to get “saddle time” but I think now I’ll start doing some sprints and climb more. Riding in groups will be new to me but I’ve done quite a bit of reading on the etiquette plus I always try and be observant as possible when riding, I think that comes from riding in London quite a bit where you need to keep your wits about you.
One question about food, did you bring your own or rely on what was provided at the stops? Same goes for water? I’ve read you shouldn’t really be trying new stuff when out as it might not agree with you (thought I have a strong constitution), if so what stuff was available?
Keep the information coming, forewarned is forearmed!
I’ve been doing longish rides once a week to get “saddle time” but I think now I’ll start doing some sprints and climb more. Riding in groups will be new to me but I’ve done quite a bit of reading on the etiquette plus I always try and be observant as possible when riding, I think that comes from riding in London quite a bit where you need to keep your wits about you.
One question about food, did you bring your own or rely on what was provided at the stops? Same goes for water? I’ve read you shouldn’t really be trying new stuff when out as it might not agree with you (thought I have a strong constitution), if so what stuff was available?
Keep the information coming, forewarned is forearmed!
Type R Tom said:
Thanks everyone.
I’ve been doing longish rides once a week to get “saddle time” but I think now I’ll start doing some sprints and climb more. Riding in groups will be new to me but I’ve done quite a bit of reading on the etiquette plus I always try and be observant as possible when riding, I think that comes from riding in London quite a bit where you need to keep your wits about you.
One question about food, did you bring your own or rely on what was provided at the stops? Same goes for water? I’ve read you shouldn’t really be trying new stuff when out as it might not agree with you (thought I have a strong constitution), if so what stuff was available?
Keep the information coming, forewarned is forearmed!
Reading up is good, but it still doesn't give a sense and practicalities of riding in a groupI’ve been doing longish rides once a week to get “saddle time” but I think now I’ll start doing some sprints and climb more. Riding in groups will be new to me but I’ve done quite a bit of reading on the etiquette plus I always try and be observant as possible when riding, I think that comes from riding in London quite a bit where you need to keep your wits about you.
One question about food, did you bring your own or rely on what was provided at the stops? Same goes for water? I’ve read you shouldn’t really be trying new stuff when out as it might not agree with you (thought I have a strong constitution), if so what stuff was available?
Keep the information coming, forewarned is forearmed!
I would pack a few bars/snacks just in case , as snack stations can run out , or be busy
I wouldn't try new stuff on the day , some gels can have "adverse" effects on me!
I would focus on more intense riding as others have said, I would try and get 70-80 mile ride in just for confidence and to ensure your bike is comfortable for longer distances, 60 miles is only just over half way.
Type R Tom said:
One question about food, did you bring your own or rely on what was provided at the stops? Same goes for water? I’ve read you shouldn’t really be trying new stuff when out as it might not agree with you (thought I have a strong constitution), if so what stuff was available?
Three food stops, plus plenty of extra water stops. Also lots of guys handing out gels on the run back in. High-5 products last year IIRC.Others may disagree but I say don't over-pack. Two small water bottles was enough to get me around with a single "splash and dash" refill at about half way - the water stops were always fairly quick anyway.
Food stops I can't really speak for; I carried enough to avoid them (a handful of gels + two flapjacks) but some spoke of long queues.
Depends whether you are targeting a fast time or just a fun day out.
oyster said:
Why don't you do the actual route a couple of times?
OK you may not be able to do the exact route because of road closures and so on, but you'd get pretty close.
I don't get this, surely it'd just spoil the fun on the day? Combined with the fact that the central London part won't be much fun, I'd just head direct to the Surrey hills and do the major climbs if I wanted a recon ride or two.OK you may not be able to do the exact route because of road closures and so on, but you'd get pretty close.
When I did my FIRST CENTURY around a month ago I was getting home from work and doing a good 30 miler ride twice a week followed by a 'decent ride' at the weekends and also with playing football twice a week inbetween. The decent ride was always in the region of 70miles. Sometimes less, sometimes a little more.
What I found though was that at the end of the Decent rides I was feeling ok. I can only put this down to practice.
Drink plenty, eat those energy bar thinggys and just cycle more is the only way sadly.
What I found though was that at the end of the Decent rides I was feeling ok. I can only put this down to practice.
Drink plenty, eat those energy bar thinggys and just cycle more is the only way sadly.
I did it last year : my 2 tips are
- be VERY aware of whats going on around you.. I was in a bunch for the majority of the time - its a fast course!!
- Fit a bell.. The number of people that I ended up ding-dinging up on box hill was ridiculous.. so much easier just ringing a bell! (one guy looked at me as if I was mad with a small bell on the bike: yet his mate then said to him what a good idea it was!)
Enjoy it. its great fun!
- be VERY aware of whats going on around you.. I was in a bunch for the majority of the time - its a fast course!!
- Fit a bell.. The number of people that I ended up ding-dinging up on box hill was ridiculous.. so much easier just ringing a bell! (one guy looked at me as if I was mad with a small bell on the bike: yet his mate then said to him what a good idea it was!)
Enjoy it. its great fun!
Mr Will said:
oyster said:
Why don't you do the actual route a couple of times?
OK you may not be able to do the exact route because of road closures and so on, but you'd get pretty close.
I don't get this, surely it'd just spoil the fun on the day? Combined with the fact that the central London part won't be much fun, I'd just head direct to the Surrey hills and do the major climbs if I wanted a recon ride or two.OK you may not be able to do the exact route because of road closures and so on, but you'd get pretty close.
oyster said:
Mr Will said:
oyster said:
Why don't you do the actual route a couple of times?
OK you may not be able to do the exact route because of road closures and so on, but you'd get pretty close.
I don't get this, surely it'd just spoil the fun on the day? Combined with the fact that the central London part won't be much fun, I'd just head direct to the Surrey hills and do the major climbs if I wanted a recon ride or two.OK you may not be able to do the exact route because of road closures and so on, but you'd get pretty close.
Personally I find that nutrition is the most important thing, I tend to forget to eat enough and then really suffer. Last week I did my first 100 miler and starting eating my bread buns after 10 miles, felt brilliant and didn't even begin to suffer until the last 10 miles (when I had run out of everything I wanted to eat).
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